Northern Rivers Buddhist Education Network
NSW North Coast – A Focal Point of Buddhist Philosophy and Practice
The North Coast region of New South Wales has long been a gathering place for Buddhist practice.An openness to new ideas and spiritual traditions as well as a unique natural environment has led to the establishment of a holistic approach to spiritual and physical well being.
Most recently several Buddhist organizations have joined with Southern Cross University’s Centre for Peace and Social Justice to form the Northern Rivers Buddhist Education Network (NORBEN) with the goal of positioning the region as an international centre in Buddhist philosophy and practice.
The aims of the Network are to facilitate the teaching and learning of Buddhist wisdom, theory and practice; to integrate the Buddhist principles of integrity, compassion and understanding into teaching practices, scholarship and community education in the Northern Rivers and beyond.
The Northern Rivers Buddhist Education Network
A focus of the Network is Engaged Buddhism, a term coined by Thich Nhat Hanh which comes from Nargajuna's idea of internal and external transformation.Many people consider Buddhism an escape from the world, and that it has little to do with social justice, peace and human rights.This Network fosters Engaged Buddhist initiatives to promote harmony and understanding across all areas of community life.
To achieve its aim, the Network will:
éPromote dialogue between Buddhist groups that transcends culture and tradition;
éBring to public awareness the resources inherent in Buddhist practice and philosophy that have much to offer in the major transitions of Living & Dying
éPromote Dharma education in the wider community through an alliance between practice and scholarship;
éEstablish resilient and meaningful links between Buddhist and educational organizations in the Northern Rivers;
éDevelop educational projects such as Buddhist Studies programmes, conferences, symposia, workshops, retreats, and other educational initiatives, which facilitate the study and communication of the Buddhadharma;
éFoster collaborative scholarly enterprises between Southern Cross University and regional Buddhist groups;
éPromote dialogue across all faith-based groups;
éConsider establishing a patronage and support base to sustain the work of the Network;
éHost a website and a journal.
A Centre for Buddhist Scholarship and Practice
The NR Buddhist Education Network has cast an ambitious vision to position the region as an international centre for Buddhist practice. This spans the education spectrum from early childhood education, thru to university level coursework and research. This vision includes continuing development for spiritual leaders and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and integrate Buddhist practices into their work environment.
Through its association with Southern Cross University, NORBEN will give greater substance and grounding to regional initiatives and link the region proactively into international networks and initiatives.
The vision is for a domain that will incorporate:
éCentre for Buddhist Studies – Through Southern Cross University’s Centre for Peace and Social Justice, students will be able to choose a pathway of scholarly pursuit that focuses on Buddhist philosophy, ethics and practice. The Program would create a focal point for Buddhist teaching and create opportunities for exchange between international thought leaders and dialogue across all faith groups.A series of Masters Degree programs are in development as well as plans for integrating Buddhist philosophy and ethics into professional development initiatives for health and education groups.The University also aims to establish an endowed Visiting Scholar Fund to facilitate international exchanges and collaboration.
éThe Siddhartha School – Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche has a long-term goal of establishing international, secular schools for children, based on Buddhist principles.
The city of Lismore has been chosen to host the first Independent Primary
School, which is planned to open in 2009. It will integrate into the curriculum teaching on universal responsibility, non-violence and the development of a deep understanding of the cause and effect of one’s thoughts and actions.
“The Siddhartha School” aims to bring the heart of Buddhist wisdom into the
Western academic setting, creating a dynamic and powerful synthesis of
learning and understanding. The unique combination of educators trained in Australian academic tradition in partnership with an authentic Buddhist teacher and international expertise in Western/ Buddhist education are creating a curriculum which prepares our next generation both for the complexities of modern society and the perennial issue of how to live a life that has meaning and satisfaction,
helping graduates to see their lives not just for their personal success but
also striving towards making a contribution to the society as a whole.
éDharma Centre – Modelled on the principles of the great teachers of the Dharma, this Centre will be a non-affiliated retreat centre, which offers guidance in different meditative disciplines from the Buddhist traditions.It will serve as a resource to all Buddhist lineages and be made available to the community.
It is envisaged that this Centre will attract people from around the world – teachers and students alike – and inspire the further development of the Northern Rivers region in a sustainable manner, with respect for the people, communities and landscapes.
The Founding Partners
Open to broad community participation, NORBEN was founded by the following organizations.They will collaborate to bring about the realisation of the network’s vision.
The Australian Tibetan Buddhist Centre Inc. was founded by Geshe Lharumpa Ngawang Gedun who came from India in 1995 to teach in Byron Bay.
Insight Meditation – is a network of Buddhist practitioners and teachers, which has its roots in Theravada Buddhism. It is free from ritual and has been practiced in Northern NSW since the mid 1970s. In the first two decades practitioners relied largely on a variety of visiting teachers and of these the most regular visitor and also the most influential was Christopher Titmuss. In recent years, local teachers have become established and these include Subhana Barzaghi, Bobbi Allan, Ellen Davison, Radha Nicholson and Carol Perry. Insight Meditation in Northern NSW is part of an Australia-wide Insight Meditation community.
Siddhartha’s Intent / Khyentse Foundation – Siddartha’s Intent is an international Buddhist association of non-profit centres under the direction of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche with the principal intention of preserving and advancing Buddhist teachings beyond the limits of cultures and traditions. There are two centres affiliated with Siddhartha’s Intent in the NSW north coast region: Vajradhara Gonpa and Byron Bay Buddhists Siddhartha's Intent.The Khyentse Foundation coordinates the collaborative efforts of students, friends, volunteers and sponsors around the world in patronage supporting institutions and individuals engaged in the study and practice of Buddha's vision of wisdom and compassion.The Siddhartha School is one of its new initiatives.
Southern Cross University – as one of Australia’s smallest universities, it has established national and international acclaim by focussing strategically on practical teaching and research programs that draw on areas of regional relevance and international significance.The University’s Centre for Peace and Social Justice has established strong links with Australia’s Buddhist community will be launching a Masters in Buddhist Studies.These initiatives are strongly supported by Hon John Dowd, Chancellor of Southern Cross University and Chair of the UN’s International Council of Jurists.
Openway Zen Australia – is a Buddhist Sangha under the guidance of Zen Master Rev. Hogen Yamahata, abbot of Chogen-ji temple Japan. He is a resident of Byron Bay where he has the small temple 'Dochu-an' and is working to establish a rural practice centre based upon the Zen monastic schedule.Rev. Doko Hatchett is the Temple’s senior priest and director of the Blue Buddha Mindfulness Centre; a centre exploring the therapeutic applications of mindful living. Hogen-san has taught in Australia for over 20 years.
Engaging with Community
For the broader initiative and the individual projects to achieve success, significant investments will be required from donors and partners in the Northern Rivers region and beyond.
Updates and News
Scripture in school
Currently NorBEN is in the process of trying to establish a "scripture in
school" training program for volunteer scripture teachers. The Buddhist
Council of NSW has government recognised training programs for this and are
very happy to support NorBEN by sending up trainers. We require about a
dozen people for this to be feasible.
Once trained these volunteer scripture teachers would then go to schools
that have expressed an interest in having a model for scripture education
other than the current Judeo Christian one. Any one interested in being
involved please contact Paula Raymond-Yacoub at
byronbay@siddharthasintent.org
NoRBEN Public Talk series
Public teachings will be held bi-monthly at various locations in Lismore, Byron Bay, and Brunswick heads. Speakers will be from the various traditions. The next public talk is in January and it will be by Ven. Bhante Pannyavaro from the Bodhi Tree Monastery in Lismore. Dates are to be confirmed. Any changes to the speaker or schedule will be forwarded.
If you would like to be reminded of any updates and news of events please reply to your sender and they will place you on a NoRBEN email group.
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